After a dog tested positive for rabies in Linden, Johannesburg, the Gauteng government urged people to ensure that their pets have been vaccinated against the disease. Vaccinating your pets is compulsory and failure to do so is illegal.
The Department of Agriculture and rural development is currently giving free vaccines/boosters to domestic animals. You can take your pet to Marks Park near the Melville Koppies to get a shot. 8:00 am – 18:00 pm from 24-28 August 2009. Pet owners of the following areas are urged to make use of this drive: Linden, Victory Park, Cresta, Roosevelt Park, Delta Park, Emmarentia, Parkhurst, Risidale, Greenside and Montroux.
The Government of Limpopo province has also issued a warning urging residents to vaccinate their pets and is running a rabies awareness campaign . A Rabies awareness day will be held on 26 August at Bungeni community hall in Bungeni village.
Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the saliva of animals. The disease attacks the brain and causes madness and aggressive behaviour. If an infected animal bites a human it will transmit the virus to the human. Humans can also get the disease if they get a rabid animal’s saliva in their eyes, mouth or broken skin. If you are bitten wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical help. If your pet is bitten, take it to a vet immediately.
Rabies is almost always fatal, unless post-exposure prophylaxis is giving before certain symptoms appear, usually within 10 days of infection. The virus can be diagnosed using a viral culture test. In the case of Rabies prevention is key, therefore all pets must be vaccinated. The first rabies vaccine was created by Louis Pasteur and Émile Roux in 1885. Subsequently other forms of vaccines have been developed,
Tell tale signs of rabid animals are foaming at the mouth and unusual aggression. Some of the symptoms that may manifest include: insomnia, paranoia, paralysis, cerebral dysfunction and anxiety.
People are also advised to avoid stray animals and animals showing unusually aggressive behaviour. Rabid animals should be reported to the state veterinary or health authorities.
World Rabies Day is on 28 September. Please make sure that all your pets vaccinations are up to date and if they haven’t been vaccinated against rabies yet, get it done as soon as possible.
Sources: News24 and Wikipedia
Important contact numbers:
State Veterinarian: (011)821-7700
Health Authority: (011) 226-8300
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